Legendary BYU football coach LaVell Edwards dies at 86

On Thursday morning, the BYU football program announced legendary Cougars head coach LaVell Edwards passed away at age 86. According to his wife, Patti, Edwards broke his hip on Christmas Eve which was a contributing factor in his death.

“I love LaVell Edwards. He came into my life, and the life of many others, at just the right time,” BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe said in a statement. “I had the influence of a great coach, a wonderful person, a disciple of Christ, a loyal family man and a true friend, from the day I met him until the day he passed away. LaVell had a pure heart. He was the dream coach of every parent. His example will forever be with me and I will strive to live a life of love as he always did.”

During his 29 seasons leading the BYU football team, Edwards earned a 257-101-3 career record. Edwards was National Coach of the Year in 1979 and 1984.

With Edwards at the helm, BYU won 10 straight WAC championships from 1976 through 1985.

He has left a lasting impact on the program.

“I was saddened to hear that LaVell passed away this morning,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. “My thoughts and prayers are with Patti and the entire family. As I have expressed many times, LaVell had a tremendous impact on me, not only as a player and as a coach but even more importantly as a person. That is LaVell. He had an impact on so many lives, and not just as coach but as a person. So many people — players, coaches, fans, the entire BYU family, coaching colleagues and opponents — will tell you they are a better person because of him, and I’m definitely one of them.

“We all love LaVell and appreciate the amazing legacy he leaves with each of us.”

Our deepest condelences go out to Edwards’ friends and family during this difficult time.